New Year's Eve in Cuba once again showcased luxury, an abundance of food, and celebrations in hotels, while the people face a deep crisis, and many workers don’t have a piece of meat to bring to their tables to share with their families.
While some luxury hotels, such as the Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa María and the Hotel Playa Cayo Santa María Beach Resort & SPA, showcased images on social media of lavish New Year's parties with plenty of food and drinks, the majority of Cubans experienced a year-end marked by shortages, blackouts, and economic hardships.
Social media posts displayed tables overflowing with seafood, meats, and sweets, creating a festive atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the everyday reality of millions of Cubans.
The luxury areas catering to international tourism shone in celebrations that seem detached from the severe crisis affecting the rest of the country.
On the contrary, the reality for most citizens was heartbreaking. In Santiago de Cuba, dozens of retirees were forced to stand in long lines at banks and post offices to collect their pensions, facing disorganization and adverse conditions.
This situation reflects the daily reality of a population burdened by inflation and a scarcity of resources.
The early morning of January 1, 2025, in Havana painted a desolate scene. The empty streets of El Vedado stood in stark contrast to the vibrant nightlife that used to define this time of year.
Social media also reflected the dissatisfaction of many families who, unable to celebrate, remained confined in their homes due to a lack of resources.
The official press has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and admitted in a recent publication that "celebrating with pork, moro rice, and yuca—a tradition for decades—has become an unattainable luxury."
This reality adds to the impact of government measures such as the gradual elimination of subsidies for essential goods, which has exacerbated the suffering of the most vulnerable populations.
Meat products such as smoked pork loin reached prices of up to 1,100 pesos per pound by the end of the year, while imported boneless pork leg was priced at 1,000 pesos per pound.
Even alternatives deemed more affordable, such as chicken picadillo, were sold at prices hovering around 310 pesos per pound, which are out of reach for a significant portion of the population.
In this context, the year-end celebrations not only reopened the wounds of the economic crisis but also those of family division caused by migration. For Cubans, starting the year with hope has become a monumental challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Year-End Celebrations and the Crisis in Cuba
How was New Year's Eve celebrated in hotels in Cuba in contrast to the economic crisis?
During the New Year celebrations, luxury hotels in Cuba, such as the Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa María, hosted opulent parties with an abundance of food and drinks, creating a stark contrast to the reality of shortages, blackouts, and economic struggles faced by the majority of the Cuban population.
What is the situation regarding food prices in Cuba during the holidays?
Food prices in Cuba have reached alarming levels, with basic products such as smoked pork loin and imported boneless pork leg being priced at over 1,000 pesos per pound, rendering them unattainable for a large segment of the population.
What role does the Cuban government play in the current economic crisis?
The Cuban government has contributed to the economic crisis through measures such as the removal of subsidies for the basic necessities. These actions have exacerbated the suffering of the most vulnerable and have led to uncontrolled inflation and a shortage of essential resources.
How has the crisis affected the daily lives of Cubans during the end-of-year celebrations?
The crisis has left many Cuban families without the necessary resources to celebrate the year-end festivities, resulting in desolate streets and homes where the lack of food and basic necessities prevails, as families confront divisions caused by migration and rising prices.
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